It’s thought that over 2.2 million UK driving licences are out of date, so make sure yours isn’t one of them.

According to the DVLA, over 2.2million driving licences are out of date and people don’t know it.  So if you’ve got a photo driving licence, get it out and check the 4b date on it, as that’s when your photo needs to be renewed.

The DVLA does write to drivers to inform them that their licence will soon be expiring, but many miss it, and if yours is out of date you’re stopped by police it could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

The cheapest way to renew is online via the DVLA for £14, post it for £17, or do it via the Post Office for £21.50, where they’ll take the new photo for you.

How to avoid a fine

1. Check the photocard driving licence expiry date

Photocard licences replaced paper licences in 1998, and must be renewed every 10 years. A whopping 2.2 million photocards are out of date, and another million will need to be renewed by the end of 2016.

There are a few dates printed on the photocard, but the one you need is the photo expiry date printed on section 4b on the front of the card.

Driving licence photos must be replaced every 10 years  and it’s easy to forget, but a quick check now could save you a fine of up to £1,000 if your photocard’s expired.

It’s £14 to renew online by visiting the DVLA website or £17 if you renew by post.

2. Check your address is correct

Forget to update your address and you risk a £1,000 fine if stopped by the police – so check now to make sure it’s correct.

If your address isn’t accurate, or if you’ve moved since you registered, it’s free to update and you can do this as many times as needed by also visiting the DVLA website.

3. Check your name is correct if you have changed it

The third check is to make sure your name is correct on your driving licence, particularly if you’ve changed it since getting married. It’s thought that some 3% of married women had an out-of-date name on their licence, which could also incur a £1,000 fine.

Failing to have an up to date driving licence could lead to you being given a fixed penalty notice, which could lead to a fine of up to £1000. If you have been issued with a fixed penalty notice and require the advice and assistance of a trusted motoring solicitors,  call us for a FREE consultation on 03334 432 366 or connect with us at info@caddickdavies.co.uk.

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Neil Davies

Motoring Lawyer at Caddick Davies Solicitors

Caddick Davies is recognised as one of England and Wales’ leading motoring law firms, offering specialist Speeding Solicitors, Drink Driving Solicitors & Dangerous Driving Solicitors.We provide advice and representation on all motoring offences including speeding, the avoidance of disqualification on penalty points or “totting up” (exceptional hardship), driving without due care and attention (careless driving), dangerous driving, drink driving, as well as a range of services related to medical revocation of a driving licence.

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